Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for these amendments. On amendment No. 42 on duty free, as I understand it, if the Minister did not bring in this amendment then the default position would be that duty free would be reintroduced if and when the UK leaves the European Union at the end of March. The Minister is, therefore, bringing forward this amendment which, if enacted, allows him by commencement order to have no duty free between Ireland and the UK. I would like to clarify the Government's policy position. Is it the Government's policy position that if the UK does not introduce duty free in that scenario, Ireland will not do so either but, conversely, if it does - I understand the UK is saying it will make its intentions known after the meaningful vote next week, depending on how that goes - we will do likewise? Is the position of the Government that we will be acting in concert with the UK Government on the question of duty free?If that is the case, how will the Minister address the point that has been made by some of our airports and ports that this scenario could put them at a disadvantage vis-à-vis other European airports and ports? If duty free was introduced in those countries, Irish ports and airports would be at a disadvantage.

Is there an agreed European position on this? We know what the default legal position is. If the UK leaves the European Union, duty free applies. Has this been the subject of discussion with other countries at EU level, that an agreed position would be arrived at. Could it be the case that Ireland and the UK do not introduce duty free, but that other countries have duty free? What would be the consequences of that?

Can the Minister clarify the situation on cross-Border shopping if duty free was to be introduced by the Government or if it were to happen by default by the Government not bringing in this amendment, or not signing the commencement order? What would be to practice on the ground for consumers and what would be the implications for the Exchequer?

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